I hope this letter finds you before I do. The post service nowadays is such a hassle, and they’ve already mailed this letter back to me three times now. I guess it’s to be expected when you’re travelling around so much.
I’m hoping you can return to Liyue Harbour in a month. I’ve taken the courtesy of inviting you to a funeral since they can’t do it themselves. It doesn’t have to be all gloomy, though. A new chapter for you, and a peaceful end for them.
May your journey lead you to a fulfilling end. Find some time to meet up with me after this, okay?
Signed,
Hu Tao
‘Is that all?’ says the Wanderer, propping his feet up on the chair next to him.
‘There’s a postscript. Oh, she’s telling me to remind you to return that brochure on coffin discounts. She’s forgotten to make extra copies.’
The Wanderer snorts into his drink of bitter tea. Abrax pushes his own mug of tea over to the smaller man, giving in to his protesting taste buds.
Port Ormos is quieter tonight, the trade winds that brought them here a touch stronger than yesterday’s. The Wanderer complained endlessly about it, talking about the issues his hat has with strong winds, but Abrax can live with chasing the man’s hat down every few hours if it means fewer mosquitoes.
His hand brushes against the gem at his hip when he drops it into his lap, leaning back to stare at the sky. He doesn’t know what he’s looking for. The stars of old, maybe?
‘You’d better learn to use that before we enter the city proper,’ says the Wanderer, gesturing at his Electro Vision. ‘Some people might still recognise your face, and things could get ugly if they start panicking.’
‘Can’t you just erase everyone’s memories of him like you did with yourself?’
‘Not currently,’ says the Wanderer. ‘You could ask Lesser Lord Kusanali yourself, though I doubt she’d agree. She doesn’t particularly like tampering with this world’s memories.’
‘And then what?’
‘Hm?’
‘Let’s say I go talk to her. Figure out what I need to know. And then you have your duties to return to, but where do I go?’
The Wanderer starts on the second mug of tea. His gaze is distant, as if he’s remembering something.
‘You… could start by accompanying me to Inazuma.’
‘What for?’
‘I have someone I need to talk to. It’s not a journey I want to take alone.’
‘It’s a deal, then.’
His fate remains uncertain, and the future even more so. But as he watches the Wanderer count out the mora needed for their drinks, muttering to himself all the while, he knows that this time, he would not be alone.